Over the years, thousands of New Zealanders have found being a member of this prestigious club and attending race days at the internationally acclaimed Ellerslie has made their love of the track, the occasion and the ceremony of the day, even greater.
"With a current membership of more than 1200 Aucklanders and those from further afield, the Auckland Racing Club is a thriving part of our city and its social calendar," says Auckland Racing Club's chief executive officer Cameron George.
"We have members who have been with us for close to 60 years, and others who have joined us just this year, but they all have one thing in common - they love the social occasion of race days, and the benefits of being an Auckland Racing Club member."
There are three main types of membership available: a standard membership, a young membership for those aged 18 to 35 years old, and a senior membership for those over 65 years of age who have over 20 years of consecutive membership with the Auckland Racing Club.
Each of the memberships boasts a range of benefits, not least that you get to enjoy race days with a special status in honour of your connection with the club.
"Members all receive access to the Ascot (Members) Stand, including a members only room at race meetings, and access to the members' carpark," explains George. "They also get a discount on raceday food and beverage, hospitality packages, and can make significant savings on room hire at the Ellerslie Event Centre."
Not only that, but members also get to enjoy exclusive discounts from prestigious partners, including great rates on stays at Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Auckland and Queenstown, 10 per cent off purchases at Rodd and Gunn stores, a 15 per cent discount on all purchases at Ellerslie Jewellers and Engravers and more.
The Auckland Racing Club holds around 25 race meetings every year, all of which members can attend. And, of course, it is not only the horses that provide the entertainment at Ellerslie - several premier fashion events are held on race days for those who are as interested in the couture as the race call.
Glamorous style competitions including the well-known Sofitel Luxury Hotels Melbourne Cup Style Award, Nicolas Feuillate Fashions in the Field at The New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races, and Cup Couture on Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day are all held on site, and are often judged by famous faces from near and afar.
The greatest benefit for members of the Auckland Racing Club, however, is the camaraderie and friendships they make with others who also love the thrill of race days and the special sense of occasion every one offers.
"Our members get a chance to meet and mingle with a huge range of others who are passionate about horse racing and the track," says George. "Members include trainers of well-known race horses, top breeders and buyers, former jockeys, avid punters who know everything there is to know about racing, and others who simply love the buzz in the air when the starting gun is about to go off."
It's not difficult to become a member, and there are no secret handshakes required. Those wishing to join simply need to fill out an application and submit it to the club to sign up for the racing season, which runs from August 1 to July 31.
The season has arrived
Ellerslie's summer of racing is a highlight on Auckland's social calendar and Ellerslie is the perfect destination for summer fun and glamour.
Oct 25: The Edge Raceday ft Contiki Whips n Spurs
Nov 4: Sofitel Luxury Hotels Melbourne Cup Day
Nov 29: Ellerslie's Christmas at the Races ft Eagle Technology Raceday
Dec 6: Ellerslie's Christmas at the Races
Dec 14: Ellerslie's Christmas at the Races ft. Hospice North Shore Raceday
Dec 10: Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Series
Dec 26: The New Zealand Herald Boxing Day Races
Dec 28: The New Zealand Herald Summer Raceday
Jan 1: The New Zealand Herald New Year's Day Races
Jan 10: Inter Islander Summer Festival
Jan 25: New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million
Feb 10: Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Series
Feb 14: Macular Degeneration Race Day
Feb 28: Auckland Cup Week - TV3 Derby Day
Mar 6: Auckland Cup Week - Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day
Mar 9: Auckland Cup Week - Diamond Day
See ellerslie.co.nz for a full schedule of all racedays across the summer.
• For more information on becoming a member of the Auckland Racing Club, visit ellerslie.co.nz or call the membership secretary on (09) 524 4069.
